Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said,
"Brothers and sisters, there are going to be times in our lives when someone else gets an unexpected blessing or receives some special recognition. May I plead with us not to be hurt--and certainly not to feel envious--when good fortune comes to another person? We are not diminished when someone else is added upon. We are not in a race against each other to see who is the wealthiest or the most talented or the most beautiful or even the most blessed. The race we are really in is the race against sin, and surely envy is one of the most universal of those...So be kind, and be grateful that God is kind. It is a happy way to live." (April 2012)
I think that I need to read this quote weekly. It is a great reminder to love others and be happy for them when success comes their way. As I have grown older, I have noticed that this is easier for me than it used to be.
Another quote that goes with this is from the book, "The Paradox of Choice":
"So by comparing ourselves to others less, we will be satisfied more."
(By Barry Schwartz, pg. 234)
One more from that book:
"As our material and social circumstances improve, our standards of comparison go up. The lower quality items that used to be perfectly acceptable are no longer good enough." (pg. 183)
So, here's my to-do list after reading these three quotes:
1. Be grateful and happy with what I have.
2. Appreciate the many blessings that I have been given.
3. Never get so far along in life that I forget the high standard of living that I enjoy. (for example: I have money each week to buy groceries and pay utility bills. I have enough milk and bread to last the whole week and if I run out then I go and buy more. Everyone in the house has several pairs of shoes, warm coats, socks and gloves. I don't live in fear of our heater or water being turned off. We have money in the bank for emergencies, and so on.)
4. Do not spend time comparing myself or my life situation with others.
5. If #5 is not followed, and I slip and spend a minute comparing my life to others', compare it to the millions of people who are not as lucky. That should bring on feelings of humility and gratitude.
6. Be happy when people have good things happen to them, such as a promotion, a success or award, a child's success or award, a trip(s), a house improvement, a calling, etc. I mean, really be happy for them.
7. Strive to take the focus off of myself and my needs and think about others and how to lift and build them.
8. Thank God for everything good thing/person/event/blessing that comes along.
